Open Days are an entertaining way to see what a school has to offer, but nothing beats seeing it “in action” on a regular weekday. In an ideal world, families of potential students should do both.
Most open days and evenings offer a flurry of activities in a carnival-like atmosphere, with music performances, art displays and even equestrian demonstrations. Campuses buzz with teachers and students conducting tours and promoting extracurricular activities.
While open days provide a terrific snapshot of what’s available, visiting during school hours offers a real insight into how it operates day to day. Many schools hold regular tours that allow parents and potential students to see classes in action and ask questions.
Catholic Ladies’ College has the best of both worlds. It holds a February Open Twilight Day that showcases the school’s bushland setting and activities, such as an Equestrian Team demonstration. In October, CLC holds an annual VCE Art Exhibition and Open Twilight Day, where families enjoy student art and tour the college with student guides.
The school also holds hour-long morning tours twice a term, starting with a short welcome by the principal, Margaret McKenna. Afterwards families enjoy a cup of tea with her or other staff members.
“All prospective students and their families should attend at least one open day to observe the college in its daily operation, experience the feel of our community and see the rich breadth of opportunities it has to offer,” McKenna says.
Instead of a traditional open day, prospective St Monica’s College students and their families enjoy morning tea with the school’s principal, Brian Hanley. The informal 90-minute tour of classrooms, grounds and facilities is held throughout the year.
The tour finishes with morning tea prepared by the school’s hospitality students, and parents can meet and chat with the principal. “During the tour, parents and children have an opportunity to interact with students and teachers at work in the classroom and ask questions,” Hanley says.
St Monica’s also has an information evening for primary school families in September.
At the Academy of Mary Immaculate, each tour that prospective students and their families take is different. Talk & Tour mornings are held every three weeks and incorporate day-to-day activities. They also take in the new three-storey science building.
Principal Sr Mary Moloney says the format is more natural than a big open day. She heads the tours, which showcase school facilities, visit year 7 classes and chat to students they meet along the way.
They might discuss friendship, starting high school or public transport. This reassures potential students that, even if they are nervous, they can deal with the transition. Those entering other year levels also hear about issues such as subject selection.
“There’s nothing contrived,” Sr Moloney says. “They see the college as it is on any given day. Wherever we go, when we come across students they are invited to talk to parents – they’re great ambassadors.”
Families should book tours via , or .
